Sky Squadron Model 4153 and Sky Rangers Model 4161 radio controlled airplanes with rechargeable l...
CPSC Recall #07-139 — March 26, 2007
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 07-139 |
| Recall Date | March 26, 2007 |
| Remedy Type | Replace |
| Units Affected | About 66,000 |
| Manufactured In | China |
Where It Was Sold
| RadioShack stores nationwide sold the Sky Squadron Airplane from December 2006 through February 2007 for about $35. Wal-Mart stores nationwide sold the Sky Ranger Airplane from January 2007 through February 2007 for about $30. |
Product
Sky Squadron Model 4153 and Sky Rangers Model 4161 radio controlled airplanes with rechargeable lithium batteries
Description
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Estes-Cox Corp., of Penrose, Colo., is voluntarily recalling about 66,000 Radio Control Model Airplanes (Models 4153 and 4161) with Lithium Polymer Batteries. The airplanes can overheat while recharging the battery, posing a fire hazard.Name of product: Radio Control Model Airplanes (Models 4153 and 4161) with Lithium Polymer BatteriesUnits: About 66,000Distributor: Estes-Cox Corp., of Penrose, Colo.Hazard: The airplanes can overheat while recharging the battery, posing a fire hazard.Incidents/Injuries: Estes-Cox has received nine reports of overheating, including one report of a plane catching fire and resulting in a minor burn injury.Description: This recall involves Sky Squadron Model 4153 (sold at RadioShack) and Sky Rangers Model 4161 (sold at Wal-Mart) radio controlled airplanes with rechargeable lithium batteries. The airplanes have a wingspan of about 18 to 20 inches and a polystyrene foam fuselage. Model 4153 is a blue Corsair single engine airplane with a Number 15 decal and a black and blue transmitter/charger. Model 4161 is a red twin engine plane with an all-black transmitter/charger. The model numbers are on the box and instructions.Sold at: RadioShack stores nationwide sold the Sky Squadron Airplane from December 2006 through February 2007 for about $35. Wal-Mart stores nationwide sold the Sky Ranger Airplane from January 2007 through February 2007 for about $30.Manufactured in: ChinaRemedy: Consumers with the recalled airplanes should stop using them immediately and contact Estes-Cox for instructions on returning the airplane for a replacement product.Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Estes-Cox at (800) 576-5811 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. MT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.estesrockets.com.
Hazard
The airplanes can overheat while recharging the battery, posing a fire hazard.
Incidents & Injuries
Estes-Cox has received nine reports of overheating, including one report of a plane catching fire and resulting in a minor burn injury.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers with the recalled airplanes should stop using them immediately and contact Estes-Cox for instructions on returning the airplane for a replacement product.
What Should You Do?
Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Replace at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Follow the consumer action instructions in the recall notice above. Most recalls require you to stop using the product and contact the manufacturer directly — either by calling the toll-free number listed in the official CPSC notice or by visiting the manufacturer's website. You generally do not need a receipt or original packaging to claim a remedy. The manufacturer is legally required to provide the remedy (Replace) at no cost to you.
If the product caused a fire or burn injury, document the incident with photos and preserve the product if it is safe to do so. Report the incident to the CPSC at SaferProducts.gov and to your local fire department. Contact the manufacturer to inform them of the incident — they are required to track and report injuries to CPSC. You may also want to consult a personal injury attorney, as fire and burn injuries caused by defective products can be grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer.
In most cases, no. CPSC-coordinated recall remedies are designed to be accessible without proof of purchase. Manufacturers typically ask consumers to self-certify ownership and may ask for photos of the product or its serial number. Some manufacturers request that you mail in a portion of the product (such as a cut cord or removed component) as proof of disposal. Check the specific remedy instructions for this recall for exact requirements. If you registered your product at the time of purchase, the process is usually even simpler.
If the original manufacturer has gone out of business, the recall remedy may no longer be available through them. In this case, contact CPSC directly at 1-800-638-2772 or cpsc.gov for guidance. If the brand was acquired by another company, the acquiring company may have assumed recall obligations. In some cases where a remedy is unavailable, CPSC advises consumers to safely dispose of the product. If you were injured by the product of a defunct company, consult a product liability attorney — parent companies, distributors, and retailers may still bear liability in some circumstances.